Why I'm running for Oroville City Council

By Celia Hirschman

The City of Oroville will always face some financial challenges. That's because 16,000 people make up the City's tax base while 55,000 live in surrounding areas, using our streets, schools and stores. We have to be creative about how to build the economy in Oroville.

It's obvious to me that the City needs vision to recreate its sense of place. Oroville should be one of the most beautiful recreation destinations in California. We have the lake, the river, the afterbay and forebay, the bike trails, the hiking roads, the fishing, the hunting, kayaking and water skiing. And our historic significance outsizes most California cities. The branding and marketing of our assets should be at the top of this City's agenda with professionals at the helm. That is how we turn around tourism and change the conversation for Oroville.

And the City has to take responsibility for its job. The city's number one priority should be to operate police, fire, water, sewer and garbage at reasonable rates to all residents. But getting a cup of water in Oroville costs up to 8 times more with Cal Water than it does with South Feather Water & Power. Cal Water water prices are driving down real estate values because people can't afford their water bills. City needs to find the best solution for the residents of Oroville.

My 35 year professional background is as a marketing and management executive. I handled millions of dollars in transactions, always with one concern...could I do the same thing for less money? That should be the guiding principal behind your next City Council. I hope you'll consider me for that job.